Off the Wall

Off the Wall

Coming Off The Wall - Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

I have finally succumbed to the pressure - I have caved in and decided to add a blog to my website. It seems really cliché - "Dude, just read my blog and you'll see what I'm thinking these days…" Actually, I would much rather sit down with a cup of coffee and talk all afternoon with each friend and client. Unfortunately, no one has that time any more so I will try to share a little of myself - a little bit of my life and thoughts while I'm "Off the Wall."

Painting murals is a little like swimming in a river - you're never in the same river twice - I never paint the exact same thing twice. I try to be consistently creative, professional, and careful, but no matter how hard I try, my artwork will always reflect the sum of many factors which seem to change daily. If I am in a happy mood, I like to use bright, deep colors. If I am creatively "blocked," my artwork is really stoic and flat. If I am in pain (neck and shoulders), my paint will be light and soft - like it hurts to paint too hard. If I am tired, I make mistakes and then spend most of my time poorly repairing what I have ruined - then it is time to quit for the day and start again tomorrow. I am really influenced by the weather, my lighting, and the seasons. I can totally change directions by just listening to a song on my iPod or taking a walk outside.

When I think about the economy these days, and the concerns I share with many of you, it is much like swimming in a river. Change is always occurring. Sometimes, it is all I can do to not get overwhelmed by the news. What's a creative person to do? Fortunately, creativity is free. Yes, FREE! It always has been. When I was a little girl, my sister and I would make Barbie clothes out of scraps of fabric and old fuzzy socks. We loved being creative, not because it was cheap, but because it was fun. What do you have stashed in your scrap bag? How can you use your creativity to make it through these challenging times? New recipes for the family menu? Economic ways to save gas? Enjoying family time while not spending a lot of money on travel? We are all creative when we need to be.

So, I am turning up the creativity levels, looking up river to see what's coming next, and standing firm in hope and optimism. New murals are on the horizon. Inspirational phrases are waiting to be stenciled on the wall. Wonderful people are waiting to enhance their homes with decorative painting. I have my paddles and I'm ready to navigate this river.

Blogging is a creative and affordable way for me to stay in touch with you, so come back often and see what I've been thinking when I'm "Off the Wall."